Falshaw's Farm Shop, Bury

It's the age old quandary, where do you go on a sunny day that won't be rammers, and you don't have to spend several hours in a heinous traffic jam in order to get there? Gem found. Falshaw's Farm Shop is just outside Ramsbottom, overlooking the rolling countryside. You can sit and eat whilst joined by the lovely cows and sheep with their babies, and a few mental birds running around the gaff.

If you're a fan of outside dining, you can eat al fresco, or stay in the cool cafe if you prefer. There's a large lawned area to the side of the cafe, where children can play safely on the mini tractors, and adults can coo over baby cows in the field whilst getting a tan. If you fancy it.

It was pretty early, and after initially declaring we weren't in the mood for a fry up, there we were, with a rather large breakfast in front of us, watching the above mentioned birds chase each other round the farmyard, and listening to children laughing. Absolutely delightful.

And what's the most obvious thing in the world to follow a full English? Correct, ice cream! It was hotter than the surface of the sun. I opted for a hugely refreshing elderflower and gooseberry sorbet, which was the perfect antidote to the sun beating down on us.

Go here for a bit of tranquility, home made food, friendly faces, and ice cream. If you're under six, also go here for mini tractors.